Injuries are part of sports, but when they hit key players at crucial moments, the impact is felt far beyond the field. This week, both the NFL and MLB have been shaken by fresh oblique injury setbacks, with Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Oakland Athletics pitcher Luis Severino forced to the sidelines.
Shedeur Sanders Faces Preseason Setback
The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback room was already running thin, but Wednesday’s joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles brought even more bad news. Rookie sensation Shedeur Sanders left the field after suffering an oblique strain, instantly raising concerns about the Browns’ preseason plans.
The injury, described as day-to-day, means Sanders is unlikely to feature in the upcoming preseason game on Saturday, August 16. With Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel already sidelined due to hamstring issues, head coach Kevin Stefanski is left with limited options.
If Sanders can’t go, veteran Tyler Huntley could step into the starting role, but this wasn’t how Cleveland envisioned testing their QB depth chart. Missing these valuable preseason snaps could hinder Sanders’ adjustment to the NFL’s speed, a progression Browns fans were eager to witness.
Luis Severino Hits the IL at the Wrong Time
In the MLB, the Oakland Athletics have been dealt a blow with Luis Severino heading to the 15-day injured list due to a left oblique strain. The move, retroactive to August 6, comes just as Severino appeared to be hitting his stride—winning his last four starts and showing flashes of his former All-Star self.
Oblique injuries are notoriously tricky for pitchers, as the muscle group plays a vital role in delivering velocity and control. A rushed comeback could risk re-injury, which means Oakland might be without one of their most reliable arms during a key stretch of the season.
Oblique Injuries: Small Muscle, Big Problem
While they might not grab headlines like torn ligaments or broken bones, oblique injuries can derail a player’s season. Located on the sides of the abdomen, these muscles are essential for rotational movements—making them critical in sports like football and baseball, where throwing, swinging, and twisting are constant.
Recovery times vary: mild strains might heal in a week or two, but more severe tears can take months. The challenge is that even when pain subsides, players often need extra time to regain a full range of motion and explosive strength.
SportSnip Analysis: Timing Is Everything
Both Sanders and Severino are sidelined at moments when their teams need them most.
- For the Browns, the preseason is about building chemistry, and losing a young QB like Sanders—even for a short spell-can stall offensive rhythm.
- For the Athletics, Severino’s absence comes just as they’ve been finding consistency on the mound, which could affect their push in the standings.
If there’s a silver lining, both injuries appear manageable rather than season-ending. However, the risk of aggravation is real, and teams will need to balance urgency with long-term health.
